Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge 2026: 1,931 km to Al Sila'
The newsroomUpdated on November 11, 20264 minAbu Dhabi Desert Challenge, W2RC finale on 22-27 November: 1,931 km with 1,326 timed, a 330 km stage to Al Sila' and a Marathon Camp overlooking the Gulf.
Key point
The 35th Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, the finale of the World Rally-Raid Championship, crosses the emirate over 1,931 km, 1,326 of them timed, with a Marathon Camp on the Gulf.
The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge has revealed the detailed route of its 35th edition, scheduled for 22 to 27 November 2026. The final round of the FIA and FIM World Rally-Raid Championships (W2RC), the event crosses the emirate of Abu Dhabi over 1,931 km, including 1,326 km of timed special stages, from Al Ain to the Arabian Gulf and back.
A new route to the west
According to the organiser, the Emirates Motorsports Organization, the rally starts in Al Ain, heads west into the Al Dhafra region via Madinat Zayed, then reaches Al Sila' on the Gulf. Competitors then turn inland again through Madinat Zayed and the big Liwa dunes, before finishing in Al Ain on Friday.
It is the first time the Desert Challenge has ventured this far west. Recent editions had already extended the event into Al Dhannah, Mezaira'a and Al Ain.
The stages to know
- Monday 23 November: opening stage from Al Ain to Madinat Zayed, the principal bivouac and operational centre of the event.
- Tuesday 24 November: Stage 2, the longest announced, with 330 km timed between Madinat Zayed and Al Sila'. Unfamiliar terrain and more navigation are on the menu.
- Night at Al Sila': a Marathon Camp overlooking the Gulf, deliberately simple, adding a test of endurance and self-sufficiency before the return inland.
The route mixes big dunes, fast tracks, rocky sections and hard-packed surfaces, where accurate navigation matters as much as outright speed.
A place steeped in history
Arriving in the Al Sila' area also shines a light on the Shabhana tree, a ghaf estimated to be more than 200 years old and a historic landmark for Bedouin travellers crossing the desert. The forest around it covers about 301 hectares.
What is at stake in the standings
This 35th edition is the first to close the world calendar. Heading into the finale, Toyota's Seth Quintero leads the FIA World Rally-Raid Drivers' Championship on 135 points, ahead of Sébastien Loeb (121) and Nasser Al-Attiyah (115). The overall win is worth 30 points, so three drivers can still claim the title. In the bikes, Daniel Sanders (Red Bull KTM) leads on 87 points, ahead of Luciano Benavides and Tosha Schareina (74 each). Among car manufacturers, Dacia Sandriders (372) lead Toyota Gazoo Racing (325).
Key takeaway
The Abu Dhabi finale combines a new 1,931 km route, a 330 km stage to the coast and a Marathon Camp on the Gulf. After 1,326 km of timed competition, the 2026 world rally-raid titles will be known in Al Ain on Friday 27 November.
The editorial team
Frequently asked questions
How long is the 2026 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge route?
The full route measures 1,931 km, including 1,326 km of timed special stages, spread over five days of competition.
Which is the longest announced stage?
Stage 2 on Tuesday 24 November: 330 km timed between Madinat Zayed and Al Sila', with a greater emphasis on navigation.
What is at stake in Abu Dhabi?
It is the final round of the 2026 FIA and FIM World Rally-Raid Championships: several titles are decided there, in cars and bikes.
Sources
- Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge — the 1,931 km route from Al Ain to Al Sila'
- Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge — multiple world titles on the line
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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